Id Needed When Paying Cash. Why?

[horseshoes]

Premier Inn's terms and conditions state that if paying cash, ID is needed. Why would that be?

Thank you.

[factor-fiction]

I assume they'll say it's for money laundering purposes, but if that's the case it seems over the top and I'm not sure I understand why they would do it

[Sparkles62]

Was there alcohol on the bill?
Would it be to check if you were over 21?

[horseshoes]

I can't understand it at all FF. my uncle and a few of his mates have just returned from Wolverhampton races and they stayed at a premier inn, and were quite taken aback to be asked for ID, and like me can't imagine what the reason would be.

[gingejbee]

So they know who you are, for sure. If paying cash, you could be anyone....and do lots of damage etc.. They need to be able to find you!!

[tonyav]

Has ff say's it's most likely to do with money laundering.

[horseshoes]

Not in this case sparkles, they're all in their 60s and 70s. LOL

[factor-fiction]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'paying cash'- do you mean by saying they'd pay by cash after the meal/drinks/room stay or was it each time they paid with cash before a meal/drinks etc?

[gingejbee]

Money laundering? £40 a night? Don't think so....as I said, they want to know who you are, just in case......

[boxtops]

I'd expect to have to give ID when checking into the hotel - they need to know who you are - but not when actually paying for items.

[horseshoes]

No it's JUST a room. No drinks, no meals etc. I'm sure it was about £75. Just a VERY VERY simple paying with cash scenario.

[boxtops]

It's clearly stated on their website under Payment http://www.premierinn.com/en/terms.html

[VHG]

I have just been on the Premier Inn FAQ and it says for all cash payments ID is required.

It may be so they have a record of who stayed at the hotel, in case there was damage, or something stolen, or maybe a complaint afterwards, or even an outstanding amount to pay on the room.

After all if you pay by a card they have a record of who you are, if you pay by cash they have no record of who you are.

[factor-fiction]

Many hotels abroad have required me to produce a passport- in fact I'm pretty sure one insisted on holding my passport

[gingejbee]

boxtops...think you pay in advance in these places. So if cash payment, they'll ask for ID then.

[Hopkirk]

The Ts and Cs say anyone paying in cash will be required to show ID when checking in, not when paying.

I think the staff don't understand their own regulations.

[tonyav]

gingejbee
Money laundering? £40 a night? Don't think so....as I said, they want to know who you are, just in case......

In case of what, forged money !.

[boxtops]

Paying in advance (e.g. on-line booking) wouldn't be treated as cash though, that would be a debit or credit card. I read it as "paying when you arrive (or leave".

[horseshoes]

If you read my OP, I do state that their terms and conditions say ID needed for cash. I was asking why! I'm sure VHG is most likely correct. That sounds plausible.

[gingejbee]

Hopkirk...as I've said, you pay when you check in, at these places.

[Hopkirk]

Ah, now I understand.

The ID check isn't to do with the fact it is cash, it is so they know who is staying in the hotel.